This week a group of 66 middle schoolers headed to Johnstown, Pa from their home church Calvary Chapel, just outside of Philly. I had no idea what I was getting myself in to, but I knew Jesus’ hand was in it all. We have participated in various ministries around the Johnstown area including working in the nursing home, on a farm, in the projects, construction, clothing distribution, etc. I must say these are the most well behaved, selfless group of middle schoolers I have ever had the opportunity to minister with. They came on this trip to serve and serving is what they have been doing. The last 2 days most of them have been working a solid 8 hours in the heat pulling weeds, building chicken tractors, painting, picking berries, mowing the lawn, etc. without complaint. A big question that has been asked this week is, “Where did you see Jesus?” and it really forces all of us to really pay attention to each other.
I have seen Jesus in autism. Sunday I had the privilege of meeting Bill (on of the adult leaders from the group). He began sharing with me how he is a new believer and how he really got to know Jesus by looking for a church that his kids would benefit from. Little did he know Jesus was going to grab ahold of his life along with his children’s. He has 2 of his kids with him, a daughter Holly who is adopted from China and a son William who has autism. Monday both worked on the farm all day and you could tell William was really getting worn out. His dad, Bill, let him relax and made sure he was alright then continued with his work. Later that night William did something that was really moving. Now when William speaks he speaks from the heart and with complete honesty, something we all could learn from him. When the question, “Where did you see Jesus today” was asked William raised his hand and said, “I saw Jesus in my dad.” He began bragging on his dad and said he would not be here if it wasn’t for him. William thanked his dad for being on this trip and for being patient when he was getting worn out. I looked back at Bill and he was in tears. There is just something beautiful when you see someone so young showing so much appreciation for his father. William doesn’t let his “label” stop him from praising both his earthy father and his Heavenly Father. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard him singing praises to the Lord and he will be the only one singing. If William is what autism looks like, it is absolutely beautiful.
There is something to be learned here. So many times in life we have things in life or “labels” that we have been given and we think, “I’m not good enough or Im not like the other kids.”. But God did not create us all to be the same. We are the body of Christ and to make up a body you need multiple parts. All part are functioning just the way the Lord intended. Don’t let “labels” stop you from dreaming big or stop you from making the impossible possible.
